Gulf Shores Bans Alcohol on the Beach during Spring Break

Posted on March 24, 2016

Alcohol on the beach from March 1-April 17? $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail

On March 18, 2016, during a special council meeting, the Gulf Shores City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to prohibit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages along the entire Gulf beaches in the City of Gulf Shores corporate limits. The ban on alcohol is in effect from March 1st through April 17th.

“The city has a responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors and an obligation to protect the reputation of the city as a family-friendly destination,” Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said during the meeting. Craft went on to say, “In order to keep spring break in Gulf Shores a safe environment, it is time we take action.”

This new ban prohibits any person to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage on any portion of the beach south of the protected sand dunes within the Gulf Shores city limits from the west end of Gulf State Park Beach to the very end of West Beach. During the spring break season, college-aged visitors are drawn in large numbers to beach destinations, and the city finds that the prolonged consumption of alcohol this year is directly associated with undesirable behavior and an increased risk to public safety.

“Gulf Shores has long been known as a favorite beach destination for families from across the Southeast and Midwest,” added Mayor Craft. “In recent years, we have seen an increase in students coming here for spring break, and we again want to reiterate that we are a family- friendly destination that welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy our beaches and destination responsibly. We as city leaders have an obligation to do whatever is necessary to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our citizens and our visitors and to protect our beaches.”

Any person in violation of this Ordinance shall be guilty of an offense, punishable by up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail.